One of the purposes of Autism 200 is to present many of the different perspectives that exist across the wide autism spectrum.
We at Seattle Children’s are strong advocates for empowerment and celebrate the many individual and collective voices that have been raised within the autism community. Listening to autistic self-advocates has informed our care as providers and changed how we communicate to families. We always strive to presume competence in all people with autism and the advent of assistive technology has given many individuals the capability of sharing their voices. This has been a tremendous advance and benefit for our community.
There is still a population within the autism community whose voice is rarely heard. Individuals with severe intellectual, communication and behavioral deficits who have not responded well to the therapeutic interventions available and the families who care and advocate for them. Many of these families have spent a lifetime attempting to teach communication, adaptive behavior and self-advocacy skills. Who speaks for these individuals better than those families who are forced to advocate for them?
The Arc of King County recently announced a presentation entitled Unmasking the Rhetoric of Severe Autism. The date of this presentation is scheduled for February 18 which coincides with the Autism 200 class entitled A Voice for Severe Autism. We are pleased to promote both of these presentations which will provide valuable information for families.
These presentations provide two different perspectives that deserve to be heard. One is that of individuals and their families with high support needs who have responded to therapeutic interventions and benefit from assistive technology. They have found their voice and can advocate for themselves in many ways. We celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals and want to hear their stories. The second is from the perspective of those who love and care for those who have not responded to interventions and advances in technology, who speak and advocate on their loved one’s behalf.
It is our hope that these perspectives can co-exist as everyone strives to understand the perspectives of all within the autism community. Information related to both presentations can be found below:
Autism 202: A Voice for Severe Autism
Seattle Children’s Autism Center
Thursday, February 18, 2021
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration not required
View via Facebook Live at Seattle Children’s Facebook page.
The event will start at 7:00 p.m.
Following the presentation, it can be viewed on Seattle Children’s Facebook indefinitely and will be added to Seattle Children’s Autism 200 YouTube channel within two weeks of the lecture date.
Unmasking the Rhetoric of Severe Autism
Thursday, February 18, 2021
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Register to receive a link:
For some families, the end of a typical year brings celebrations, gatherings, and beloved traditions. But, like many other things during 2020, the holiday season will be very different for many people this year.
